Rangers toss lots of cash at hurler Park

Posted: Sunday, December 23, 2001

ARLINGTON (AP) - Chan Ho Park can finally pull out the Western wear he's been hiding.

Park, the top starting pitcher on the free agent market, signed a $65 million, five-year contract with the Texas Rangers on Saturday, quenching the team's need for an ace and returning him to the state where his professional career got started.

Park left his native South Korea in 1994, and other than two games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he spent the season with the club's Double-A affiliate in San Antonio.

"People wore big hats and big boots, and ate big steaks," Park said. "So, I got the hat, I bought boots and I tried to eat a big steak all the time. Then I went to L.A. and nobody wore a big hat or big boots.

"Now, I'm going to put on my hat and boots, then we're going to bring a ring to the Texas Rangers."

The Rangers don't care what he wears as long as he pitches for Texas the way he did for the Dodgers.

Park, a 28-year-old right-hander, went 15-11 with a 3.50 ERA last season. For several years, he's been among the NL's best in wins, strikeouts, quality starts, hits per nine innings and opponents batting average.

Texas has finished last in the AL West for two straight years. Both times, they had the worst ERA in the majors.

"They came to me and asked if I had any flexibility, and I said I'm a gymnast if that's what it takes to get pitchers," said Rodriguez, adding that the subject first came up late in the season. He declined to say whether he approached the team or if the team approached him.

Rodriguez and Palmeiro attended a stadium news conference to greet their newest teammate. When Palmeiro asked if he speaks Spanish, Park said, "Poquito," meaning a little.

After holding up his new No. 61 jersey and smiling a lot, Park said he's ready to be at the front of a rotation for the first time. He also proudly noted that in his only career start at The Ballpark in Arlington he allowed only one run in seven innings.

"Texas has a great hitting team. I hope I can give them great pitching," Park said. "I'll try my best to be the No. 1 pitcher for the Rangers."

This signing continues a busy few weeks for new general manager John Hart, who delayed a vacation to Florida to finalize this deal.

"We've been very active this winter, but without this signing today, I think it would be very difficult to dream big dreams," Hart said. "I think we're going to enjoy the best years of a young pitcher's life."

Everett also was among the players whose contract was reworked to sign Park. Hart said Palmeiro and others may do the same if dollars are needed to bring in more players.

Owner Tom Hicks pointed out that a spot in the rotation remains available. Former Ranger Aaron Sele or Helling are possibilities.

"You can be certain we have other things working," Hicks said.

Park's contract calls for $11 million next season, $12 million in 2003, $13 million in 2004, $14 million in 2005 and $15 million in 2006.